Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has been convicted in a long-running corruption case involving Ksh588 million.
The Milimani Anti-Corruption Court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki, found Waititu guilty of two key offences related to misuse of public office and fraudulent dealings.
The court ruled that Waititu, along with his co-accused, committed multiple crimes, including conflict of interest, awarding tenders without County Assembly approval, and forging documents.
Among those charged alongside him is his wife, Susan Wangari.
During the court session on Wednesday, Magistrate Nzioki delivered the verdict, confirming that Waititu was guilty of conflict of interest and handling questionable property.
“Regarding the charges as presented, I find the accused persons guilty as charged,” the Chief Magistrate declared.
The ruling was based on 12 counts, with the court establishing that the former governor and his associates had deliberately violated the law.
In his decision, Magistrate Nzioki specifically found Waititu guilty on several counts, including:
- Count 1: Conflict of interest, where the first accused (Waititu) was found guilty.
- Count 2: Waititu and Saika Two Estate Developers Limited were found guilty.
- Count 3: Waititu and Saika Two Developers Limited were found guilty again.
The magistrate highlighted that Waititu had illegally gained Ksh25 million through his conflict of interest, indirectly benefiting from county funds.
“The inevitable conclusion is that the first accused person is liable in count number one for conflict of interest, having received an indirect benefit totaling Ksh25 million,” Nzioki stated.
Despite being found guilty on multiple charges, the court acquitted Waititu, his wife, and other county officials of money laundering charges. The magistrate ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support these allegations.
“Regarding the offence of money laundering, under section 311 as read with sections 16 and accounts 10, 11, and 13, I find the accused persons not guilty and acquit them under section 215,” the ruling stated.
Waititu and his co-accused had been facing charges of fraud, conflict of interest, unlawful dealings with public property, and abuse of office, all stemming from the alleged fraudulent awarding of county tenders to a company linked to his family.
During the proceedings, the former governor had previously claimed that the case was politically motivated. However, Chief Magistrate Nzioki dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the judgment was based purely on evidence.
“I have carefully reviewed all the documents submitted by both the prosecution and the defense, and I have found no indication of political interference in this case,” the magistrate ruled.
This verdict marks a significant development in the fight against corruption in Kenya, as it holds high-ranking officials accountable for mismanagement and abuse of public funds.
Join Gen z and millennials TaskForce official 2025 WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time the ongoing situation https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
